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Just picked up a newly published book called The Complete Guide to Climbing by Bike and these two gems (Onion and Whitney) were listed as two of the toughest climbs in CA. I'm wondering if anyone has conquered these climbs and what insights you might have about giving them a go.
For example, when is the best time to do these climbs? Is April too early? When should you stay away (because of traffic and heat, etc.)? Can you do both in a day or is that just too killer a day?
Thanks in advance for any insights you may have and Happy New Year!
gene r
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Just picked up a newly published book called The Complete Guide to Climbing by Bike and these two gems (Onion and Whitney) were listed as two of the toughest climbs in CA. I'm wondering if anyone has conquered these climbs and what insights you might have about giving them a go.
For example, when is the best time to do these climbs? Is April too early? When should you stay away (because of traffic and heat, etc.)? Can you do both in a day or is that just too killer a day?
Thanks in advance for any insights you may have and Happy New Year!
gene rI did Whitney Portal and Horseshoe Meadows on the same day in July. Man it was hot at the bottom but cool at the top. Haven't done Onion Valley on a bike but when I drove up it a few years ago I thought I could never ride it, but I've said that about a lot of climbs that I have eventually done so I'm going to say yes Onion is doable. The climb to the Bristlecone Pine Forest outside Big Pine is another epic climb up there. I'm not sure that they plow the roads up there in April, :eek:I think June would be a good time for that. They all go up to 10,000 ft. Brrrrrrrr.
I rode Horseshoe Meadows and Whitney Portal on the same day. It was the middle of August and I wouldn't recommend that time of year unless you're used to the heat. It was right around 100 in the afternoons. It was quite comfortable at elevation. I rode up Onion Valley the following day on the way up to Bishop where I rode Old Sherwen Grade to Mosquito Flats the day after that. I have yet to do Bristlecone Pines so that is something I'll have to do this summer. My only insight is just to do it and not think too long about it. THe traffic was great actually. People were shouting encouragements and I'm sure it wasn't because I look good in spandex.
Thanks gents. Very helpful. I'm gonna give these beasts a go, but you're right V Bob, April would be insane now that I think about it. I think I did Sherwin Grade as part of the Mammoth SR many years ago.
gene r
For example, when is the best time to do these climbs? Is April too early? When should you stay away (because of traffic and heat, etc.)? Can you do both in a day or is that just too killer a day?
Hey Gene- I've done both of those climbs and will say that they're very similar. Each has a long straight run-up along the alluvial plane where your senses are fooled because it looks like it shouldn't be as steep as it feels. Then you hit the switchbacks and suffer in your lowest gear.
I think you'd have high odds of harsh cold weather in April. I've done Whitney Portal a couple times in May and been snowed on, and once in May the road was closed at the first switchback. I made it to the top of Onion Valley in May also but there was a howling, dry and cold wind. You could do both in one day if the weather cooperated.
They are beautiful and spectacular climbs.
Thanks gents. Very helpful. I'm gonna give these beasts a go, but you're right V Bob, April would be insane now that I think about it. I think I did Sherwin Grade as part of the Mammoth SR many years ago.
gene r Be sure to post when you go up there ,it would be fun to have a group + some sag. I don't think I can bring enough water to do some of those long climbs, Horseshoe is 25 miles, and a sandwich and a coke was great when I got to the top of that one ,before taking on the Portal Rd. Those are the two that I would do together since they are both out of Lone Pine. Onion Valley is up 395 some 20 miles outside of Independence.
I'd be up for it, especially if it's in the middle of summer when it's warm. I did Whitney for the Death Valley-Whitney Portal SR but that was in '91 and I don't remember anything about it. Onion valley and Horseshoe both sound fun.
Hey Gene- I've done both of those climbs and will say that they're very similar. Each has a long straight run-up along the alluvial plane where your senses are fooled because it looks like it shouldn't be as steep as it feels. Then you hit the switchbacks and suffer in your lowest gear.
I think you'd have high odds of harsh cold weather in April. I've done Whitney Portal a couple times in May and been snowed on, and once in May the road was closed at the first switchback. I made it to the top of Onion Valley in May also but there was a howling, dry and cold wind. You could do both in one day if the weather cooperated.
They are beautiful and spectacular climbs.
Hey Mark. I should have known that you've bagged these beasts. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I asked if these would be doable in April. Heck, ski season is barely over at that point.
I'm thinking of a mid June attempt. Happy New Year to you!
gene r
[QUOTE=vertical bob;5899666]Be sure to post when you go up there ,it would be fun to have a group + some sag. QUOTE]
Eric and V Bob, I'll definitely post in case others want to join is when we decide on a date. I've already roped in 3 other crazies here in S Barbara to give it a go.
I'm working on the wife to drive the sag wagon for us. I'll need ALL my powers to sell here on being our designated driver!
gene r
Eric and V Bob, I'll definitely post in case others want to join is when we decide on a date. I've already roped in 3 other crazies here in S Barbara to give it a go.
I'm working on the wife to drive the sag wagon for us. I'll need ALL my powers to sell here on being our designated driver!
gene r
Gene, I'm interested also (who are the other 3 crazies? well other 2 since I assume you were counting Mark...) My wife would almost certainly be willing to drive SAG, although I'm sure she wouldn't mind hanging out with your wife.
P.S. I'm not sure if we've actually met, but we may have been on the same rides and not realized it. Have you done Worlds in the last two weeks?
Gene, I'm interested also (who are the other 3 crazies? well other 2 since I assume you were counting Mark...) My wife would almost certainly be willing to drive SAG, although I'm sure she wouldn't mind hanging out with your wife.
P.S. I'm not sure if we've actually met, but we may have been on the same rides and not realized it. Have you done Worlds in the last two weeks?
Hey Steve. At the moment we have 3 Chicken Ranchers, Corey, Aron, and Old Man Steve who are up for the road trip. It would be great if we could get a larger group to go (S Barbarians and Bfers), and we would certainly welcome your company. Hey, if you go Corey would have some company at the front, or should I say OFF the front. I'll keep you posted as we close in on a date.
I do the worlds or the Saturday Casitas ride pretty much every week, so we probably have ridden together on many occasions. But given that you are one of the killers out there, and I am good old fashioned pack fodder, we probably ride at different ends of that slugfest.
Last, congrats on getting to 20k miles in '07. That is a freakin' amazing achievement!
peace
gene r
Hey Steve. At the moment we have 3 Chicken Ranchers, Corey, Aron, and Old Man Steve who are up for the road trip. It would be great if we could get a larger group to go (S Barbarians and Bfers), and we would certainly welcome your company. Hey, if you go Corey would have some company at the front, or should I say OFF the front. I'll keep you posted as we close in on a date.
I do the worlds or the Saturday Casitas ride pretty much every week, so we probably have ridden together on many occasions. But given that you are one of the killers out there, and I am good old fashioned pack fodder, we probably ride at different ends of that slugfest.
Last, congrats on getting to 20k miles in '07. That is a freakin' amazing achievement!
peace
gene r
Well, I'm certainly not one of the "killers" out there... much closer to pack fodder. I'm usually near the back when we get to the polo field sprints. I'm usually out on the Echelon ride on Saturday rather than Casitas, but have been doing worlds somewhat consistently recently. I'll look for you out there next time.
My apologies for digging up an old thread, but I am thinking hitting the Eastern Sierras to do many of the climbs mentioned sometime during the last two weeks of June. As they are isolated I wouldn't mind some company. Is there currently anything planned for the trip mentioned in this thread?
Thanks.
My apologies for digging up an old thread, but I am thinking hitting the Eastern Sierras to do many of the climbs mentioned sometime during the last two weeks of June. As they are isolated I wouldn't mind some company. Is there currently anything planned for the trip mentioned in this thread?
Thanks. Not yet but I'm gonna start talking it up amongst my friends, many of whom have said they want to go. Of course they said that last year too. :rolleyes:
I was the originator of the thread, and I am still interested, as are two others here in S Barbara. Do weekends or weekdays work better for those that are interested. Both would work for the me. I almost prefer weekdays to avoid traffic.
Maybe the third week/end in June?
gene r
I was the originator of the thread, and I am still interested, as are two others here in S Barbara. Do weekends or weekdays work better for those that are interested. Both would work for the me. I almost prefer weekdays to avoid traffic.
Maybe the third week/end in June?
gene r It will probably be a long weekend for me. The third week sounds good, at least for now.
The third week works for me. Weekend or weekdays are fine. I am planning on taking some time off while the wife is away :)
I might be able to make it if it's the weekend.
If you're talking the weekend of the 14th I may be in, too.
I'm thinking of doing the Eastern Sierra double, which I think is the week before. I'll do one or the other but not both.
Now I'm being told that the weekend of the 21st is better for me.
Onion Valley is listed as the toughest 10 mile climb in America... per Bicycling Magazine...
Onion Valley is listed as the toughest 10 mile climb in America... per Bicycling Magazine...
That's the attraction!
I'm thinking show up friday, ride around a bit. Saturday, two of the three climbs (onion, horseshoe, whitney). Sunday, two climbs. Monday, one climb before driving home. It's a 6-7 hour drive from the bay area so I have to make it worthwhile.
Anyone still up for this? Steve? Vertical Bob?
One of my team mates is interested.
Are there any other good climbs in the area?
I ran into LT Intolerant the other day and we talked a bit about it. It sounds like its still on but nothing is "set" yet. I'm looking forward to it.
Anyone still up for this? Steve? Vertical Bob?
One of my team mates is interested.
Are there any other good climbs in the area?
I went up there 3 years ago to do some training for the Death Ride in early June with 3 other guys.
We stayed at the Winnedumah in Independence for a Friday and Saturday nite... rates were very reasonable- nothing fancy but the staff were fun to chat with.... on Saturday we drove up to Big Pines- parked and rode up the Bristlecone Pines route to the interpretive center.... 4K at the bottom just over 10 K at the top in about 20 miles- turned around and came back to Big Pines for lunch then rode up west to the old Glacier Lodge site... I'm guessing we got 6o miles in with perhaps 10 or 11 k of climbing.... got up Saturday morning and rode from the Winnedumah up Onion Valley to the end of the road... tough climb but it didn't seem as bad as the climb to Glacier the day before (after the monster climb to Bristlecone)...
got back to Winnedumah about 11:30 and drove home.... the Death Ride after that was a piece of cake...that weekend without a doubt was the most memorable I've ever had. very scenic- just get up early to avoid the heat of the day....
I'm still up for this, it's just a matter of when. Looks like the end of June. I'm way slower than you guys though so I'll be pretty much on my own.
Sorry for going radio silent. At this point I have this on my calendar for Friday June 13, and Saturday June 14. I've got to be home on Sunday for a family commitment. I'm just waiting to hear from a client to finalize my plans but that's what I'm thinking right now.
gene r
As feared I have to travel the 12th and 13th which kills my plans for an Onion/Whitney assault that weekend. At this point it looks as though I'll end up doing a mid-week thing the week of the 16th or 23rd. Sorry to flake but sometimes life gets in the way.
As feared I have to travel the 12th and 13th which kills my plans for an Onion/Whitney assault that weekend. At this point it looks as though I'll end up doing a mid-week thing the week of the 16th or 23rd. Sorry to flake but sometimes life gets in the way.
I may still be able to go mid-week. Wife wants a vacation.
So the thread is a little old but I am heading up to Mammoth this weekend and may hit these climbs up. Was also thinking of heading over and climbing up to Tioga Pass. Was wondering if anyone had any opinions on either of these options, or if there are better climbs just sticking closer to Mammoth?
I am assuming you have driven Tioga Pass and are aware as to how narrow the road is. This is also peak tourist season so expect to compete with motor homes, trailers, freaked out drivers (the view is alittle scary) etc. It's probably on par with The Going To The Sun road in intensity, distance, narrowness and views and traffic. Can't get away from the traffic.
If you are looking for a good climb how about up the main road (past the main lodge) to the Minaret turn out - down to Red's Meadow and the Village and back out. Not as long but just not as busy (although you will have to compete with tourist passes and cars going up the climbs). Also I love riding out to Lake Mary from town. There's a nice little climb out of the village. Or ride down to Tom's Place (or starting from Tom's ride out to the Red Rock trail head - awesome views and a good climb into the Sierra's) and then back up or better yet, all the way down to Bishop and back to Mammoth. Lastly, from Lake Crowley, Green Church, take the road out to Wild Rose Summit. There's really alot of good riding and climbing just around Mammoth.
So probably a good idea to stay away from Tioga then, thanks.
I have trouble driving up Tioga much less even thinking of riding up it.
When you get into town, there is a nice sporting goods shop at the IS of Old Mammoth and 395 - it may be Tamarck Sports? Anyway; ultra bike friendly shop. They can recommend some good riding that won't endanger your life! ;)
PS: If you are in to hiking - there is a really cool hike called Saddlebags Lake. It's about 2/3 of the way up Tioga just before Touloumme (sp?). You have a take a nice little boat across the lake to the trails heads (or you can walk around the lake). Over the years I have had quite an adventure doing this hike. One year I had to foot down the front of a waterfall, the next year I had to slide down a 50 ft. wall of ice... we call it the "chutes and ladders" hike! :eek:
I'm still trying to get away for a long weekend to do Onion Valley. I've done Horseshoe, Portal and White Mtn. Reds Meadows is nice and short, close to Mammoth the climb to Mosquito Flats up Rock Creek from Tom's place is a 9 mile killer
I'm still trying to get away for a long weekend to do Onion Valley. I've done Horseshoe, Portal and White Mtn. Reds Meadows is nice and short, close to Mammoth the climb to Mosquito Flats up Rock Creek from Tom's place is a 9 mile killer
If I understand correctly, wasn't that the part was was cut out of Everest Challenge last year because of the weather? I may have to do that just to get a feel for it.
Yup, that was the part that was cut.
I'm still trying to get away for a long weekend to do Onion Valley. I've done Horseshoe, Portal and White Mtn. Reds Meadows is nice and short, close to Mammoth the climb to Mosquito Flats up Rock Creek from Tom's place is a 9 mile killer
That's what I meant, not Red Rock! I've done this ride several times, early in the morning when the traffic is not bad. It's tough but the views are just about as awesome as they come. And when you get to Rock Creek, soak your feet in clear, cool icy stream water. Ahhhhh heaven!!!!
That's what I meant, not Red Rock! I've done this ride several times, early in the morning when the traffic is not bad. It's tough but the views are just about as awesome as they come. And when you get to Rock Creek, soak your feet in clear, cool icy stream water. Ahhhhh heaven!!!!
It's looking increasingly likely that is what I will do, at least one of the days. The idea about the water sounds nice, thanks!
If I understand correctly, wasn't that the part was was cut out of Everest Challenge last year because of the weather? I may have to do that just to get a feel for it.
Yup it was snowing up there. I hiked to Mono Pass instead, it was wonderful.
It's looking increasingly likely that is what I will do, at least one of the days. The idea about the water sounds nice, thanks!
Please take photos! I haven't been to Mammoth in a couple of years and miss it. Rock Creek is one of my all time favorite places to go (it's an excellent area to hike if you decide not to ride).
Just one note - remember you have to acclimate. Tom's Place, which is lower down from Mammoth is still probably 6 - 7,000' and going up to Rock Creek is probably close to 8 or 9,000 (I may be wrong - check it and see). So take it easy especially the first day or so (but I bet you knew that! ;))
Actually just checked it - Mosquito Flats (where the road ends) is 10,300'!!!! Definitely thin air!
Please take photos! I haven't been to Mammoth in a couple of years and miss it. Rock Creek is one of my all time favorite places to go (it's an excellent area to hike if you decide not to ride).
Just one note - remember you have to acclimate. Tom's Place, which is lower down from Mammoth is still probably 6 - 7,000' and going up to Rock Creek is probably close to 8 or 9,000 (I may be wrong - check it and see). So take it easy especially the first day or so (but I bet you knew that! ;))
Actually just checked it - Mosquito Flats (where the road ends) is 10,300'!!!! Definitely thin air!
I did Everest Challenge last year, so I'm somewhat familiar with the altitude and the area. I've hiked up Rock Creek from Mosquito Flats (damn, I have pictures somewhere!) and ridden toward Tom's place (but we were diverted back down and they added an extra climb because it was snowing). The last climb of the second day goes to the ancient bristlecone pine forest in the white mountains over 10,000' ft also. I did feel the affects a tiny bit on the first climb of the first day but got over it fairly quickly.
I am jones-ing to ride Big Pine to Westguard Pass to the Bristlecone Forest. Far less traffic than most or all the Eastern Sierra paved roads (apart from the Red's Meadow Rd which is mostly shuttle-bus only).
Maybe weekend of 8/23?
I did lower & upper Rock Creek (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/6471910) today with my father-in-law in the morning, and Mammoth to Red's Meadow (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/6471911) in the afternoon with one of my brothers-in-law. I have pictures that I will upload shortly. Upper Rock Creek was pretty easy although long of course. I forgot to soak my feet in the water, I had to hurry up to get back down to the car to pick up my father-in-law at the pie place because he was not comfortable doing the descent on my TCR.
Here are a few selected pictures from Red's Meadow and Rock Creek. More on my blog (http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/345/mammoth-pictures). I'm heading out to Onion Valley and Whitney Portal in a few minutes.
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3255.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3257.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3259.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3270.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3273.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3280.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3283.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3284.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3287.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3292.jpg
I have trouble driving up Tioga much less even thinking of riding up it.
When you get into town, there is a nice sporting goods shop at the IS of Old Mammoth and 395 - it may be Tamarck Sports? Anyway; ultra bike friendly shop. They can recommend some good riding that won't endanger your life! ;)
PS: If you are in to hiking - there is a really cool hike called Saddlebags Lake. It's about 2/3 of the way up Tioga just before Touloumme (sp?). You have a take a nice little boat across the lake to the trails heads (or you can walk around the lake). Over the years I have had quite an adventure doing this hike. One year I had to foot down the front of a waterfall, the next year I had to slide down a 50 ft. wall of ice... we call it the "chutes and ladders" hike! :eek:
I used to back pack in that area. Save yourself the initial walk. Always take the water taxi!
Nice pics Steve. I wish I was up there riding.
Onion Valley
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3308.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3311.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3312.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3314.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3315.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3316.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3317.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3318.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3320.jpg
Whitney Portal
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3321.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3322.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3323.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3324.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3325.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3326.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3327.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3328.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3329.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/3330.jpg
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